Fleur du Cap Unfiltered Semillon 2011

Mellow Yellow.

With the Cape weather not yet mild enough to make Sauvignon Blanc an enticing proposition, I thought I’d opt something rich and textural like a wooded Semillon with a bit of age on it. A 2010 from a leading Constantia producer under cork unfortunately showed premature oxidation and I therefore took no further chances and opted for Fleur du Cap Unfiltered Semillon 2011 fitted with screwcap.

When I reviewed this wine on release in 2012, I suggested it would reward bottle maturation and I’m happy to say it’s looking pretty good three years on. Bright yellow with a green tinge in colour, the nose shows citrus, thatch, lanolin and a touch of honey. On the palate, there’s good fruit concentration and bright acidity before a little pyrazine bite on the finish. It’s perhaps not super-detailed but rather mellow and satisfying. You can still buy this vintage from the Vinoteque at R115 a bottle which I would argue offers good value for money.

Winemag rating: 90/100.